“Of course, sir. What can I do for you?”

“Recent developments have led us to a possible connection between Dr. Ailbe MacGowan and cybercrime against Ireland’s largest bank. He is a professor at GMIT.”

O’Brien’s impression of a college professor didn’t match a criminal, cyber or otherwise. “A cybercrime involving a bank, you say. And this professor is the supposed perpetrator?”

“He is one of Ireland’s top computer programming instructors. His students are sought out by tech firms all over the world.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, Commissioner, how much money is involved.”

The commissioner coughed. “We have been unable to uncover any fund transfers, so no money changed hands. But we have evidence of the security breach, and the breach appears to have come from somewhere in Galway. None of the criminals in our database have the knowledge and/or skills to pull this off. A student is a possibility, but we’re betting McGowan is somehow involved.”

"I am happy to help, Commissioner. And coincidentally, joggers discovered the body of a GMIT student in the River Corrib early this morning. Details are sketchy, but we are investigating. The death appears to be a homicide.”

“Is the student connected to MacGowan?”

“We have no specifics yet, Commissioner. I received the preliminary police report about an hour ago.”

“Keep me informed about the circumstances, O’Brien. I called for another matter relating to MacGowan and his suspected involvement in the recent hacking of the Irish banking system. I contacted the British about this matter. Since Northern Ireland is still part of Great Britain, they are concerned. I believe you have two British agents at your disposal?”

“Yes, Commissioner. James Pearson and Glenn Cross.”

“O’Brien, this goes much deeper than you imagine. We believe an assault on the world banking system is the next step for MacGowan. Can your office handle an investigation of such magnitude?”

O’Brien tensed. “Commissioner, I am ready to cooperate with whatever entities you deem fit.”

“I can always count on you. I have also engaged the assistance of the American government for this critical international situation. I spoke with General Steinburg at the Pentagon. A cybersecurity expert who served in the U.S. Marine Corps arrived in Galway yesterday.”

O’Brien chewed his unlit cigar nub. Feck! A nerdy computer guy from the States. What next…an opera singer? “I understand, Commissioner. May I ask for more detail?”

“The goal of this mission is to stop MacGowan,” Commissioner Kane said. “This is best done by infiltrating his organization and working from the inside, which requires knowing him on a personal level. MacGowan’s partner, Declan Knowlan, is on our radar for suspected gang connections. His history includes gang involvement, although nothing in the past few years. At least nothing we can connect to him. As you are aware, Pearson and Cross are a gay couple, but their backgrounds are not a match with either MacGowan or Knowlan. This is where the Americans come in. The American agents involved are Mr. Wyl Sterling and Dr. Rod Bonner Sterling. Wyl Sterling is a cybersecurity expert. Steinburg tells me his reputation is unexcelled in the field, so MacGowan will be curious about him. With a doctorate in music, Dr. Rod Sterling is an opera expert.”

O’Brien spat out his chewed cigar nub. “Opera, you say?”

“Yes. MacGowan is an opera fanatic, so he will enjoy engaging with Dr. Sterling. The Sterlings own a ranch in West Texas, and both are horsemen. Knowlan is a horse-racing buff. He teaches graphic design at the university. The computer skills of Wyl Sterling and the artistic side of Rod Sterling, combined with their equestrian background, will attract Knowlan. The Sterling men are married. As a gay couple, they will attract both MacGowan and Knowlan. A perfect meld of experience, reputation, and talent.”

O’Brien shook his head. Gay Texas cowboys…one a cybersecurity expert and one an opera expert…proved critical to this investigation? What was he getting himself and his men into? He put on his best cheery voice. “The Sterlings sound like an excellent team for this mission, Commissioner. You say the Sterlings have already arrived?”

“Their flight landed in Shannon early yesterday. They have a flat in Eyre Square. My contact in Washington, D.C., provided them with your information. You can expect a contact from them.”

“Yes, Commissioner.”

“Welcome them, Ciaran. Consider it a personal favor to me. I have alerted my team to the importance of your involvement. Calls from you will be put through to my personal line. I need you to keep me updated on this case.”

“Yes, Commissioner. I will report to you as requested.”

“One more thing. Keep this investigation on a need-to-know basis, understood?”

“Yes, Commissioner. I will keep this under wraps. I assume Pearson and Cross are aware of his skills?”

“Both General Steinburg and I briefed the British government, so yes. And they are aware this is top secret.”

“Excellent, sir. I will await a call from the Sterlings.”

“Thank you, Ciaran. You have a fine reputation with Garda, and I look forward to working with you one-on-one. Contact me if you need additional assistance. You have one of the best teams in the world between the British and the Americans.”

“Aye, Commissioner. You can count on us.”

The Commissioner disconnected. O’Brien sat dumbfounded for a moment before summoning his assistant. “Healy!”

Sergeant Healy poked his head in O’Brien’s doorway. “Yes, Chief?”

“The Commissioner shared that our office is involved in investigating cybercriminal activity. First of all, anything we discuss regarding this case is confidential. Mention the details of the case to nobody. If anyone asks, refer them to me. Understood?”

Healy nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Now…the cybercriminal suspect is Dr. Ailbe MacGowan, professor at GMIT. The case includes international implications. Washington, D.C. is involved, and two American agents are here in Galway. If Wyl or Rod Sterling calls, put them through to me at once. Interrupt me if I’m in a meeting or on a call. They have priority over everything else.”

Healy stood absorbing the information. “Yes, sir! Sterling. Got it.”

“And Healy, the British agents Pearson, and Cross will work with the Sterlings. The same confidentiality agreement applies to them. And if either of them calls, put them through.”

“Got it, sir.” Healy paused. “Sir, GMIT. Wasn’t the body found in the river a student from GMIT?”

O’Brien tapped his finger on the report of Moynihan’s death. “Aye, Healy. This murder case took an interesting turn.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Wyl woke to unfamiliar surroundings. He glanced around the room before remembering…Ireland. He gazed at Rod, snoozing beside him.

Rod stirred, stretched, and smiled at his husband. “Morning, babe.” His voice came out deep and husky from a restful night.

“Morning, cowboy,” Wyl’s own voice croaked. “Did my husband sleep okay?”

“I always sleep okay with you by my side.”

“Me, too.” Wyl inhaled the manly scent he always loved about Rod. “Mmmmm…your scent turns me on.”

Rod chuckled. “You’re the turn-on. Your scent excites me.”

“Does the doctor have a hard-on?” Wyl leaned in for a kiss. The two joined lips and savored a deep, early morning tongue dance.

“Mmmm-hmm,” Rod hummed. He toyed with Wyl’s little rancher, rock hard and standing at attention.

Wyl broke the kiss and gasped, “Oh God, you have the most magical fingers. Everywhere you touch me is on fire.”

Rod stroked Wyl’s stiff shaft and teased his taught ball sack. Wyl’s breathing intensified as the sensations flowed through his body. He reached for Rod’s throbbing cock, making Rod gasp.

“Take my pre-cum and tease my pleasure portal.” Rod kicked off the covers and spread his legs, urging Wyl to finger his hole.